Randy Broadbelt, the BTOA’s public relations officer, claims their complaints lodged during this election period have fallen on deaf ears
Driving a cab or catching a fish might seem like two radically different jobs… but when it comes to politics, there’s a lot of common ground. The Bermuda Taxi Operator’s and Owner’s Association says its standing in solidarity with the Fisherman’s and Farmer’s associations of Bermuda who say they want meaningful consultation on the various plans in motion to modernise their respective industries.
We are awaiting response from the Progressive Labour Party.
Pausing education reform would ‘leave schools in limbo’
Image: Creative Commons
The following statement was issued today by the Progressive Labour Party: “Bermudians must not forget the OBA’s record on education. Under the OBA, public schools were underfunded, scholarships were cut, public schools had no WiFi and there were widespread reports of increased mould in our public schools. The OBA has consistently viewed education as an expense to be minimised rather than an investment in our collective future. Under the PLP, we have increased funding for education. We have increased scholarships for our young people. We have implemented a major revamp of our education system, to deliver on our promise to phase our middle schools and return Bermuda to a two-tiered system with signature schools that provide education in skilled trades like construction. Education is everyone’s business. It affects not just the students in our classrooms today but also Bermuda’s economy, workforce, and future stability. For generations, our public education system has been shaped by inequality, segregation, and colonial influence. While progress has been made, the consequences of that history continue to limit opportunities for too many young people. Reform isn’t easy, and we recognise that the implementation hasn’t been perfect and must be improved. We must continue trying to include all stakeholders in the decision-making process and gain a deeper understanding of the unique needs of each school community. Education reform in phases has allowed us to learn from each step along the way and has provided valuable lessons, revealing both successes and areas that require adjustment. But make no mistake the PLP are committed to education reform and public education. The OBA is in no position to critique our approach to strategic planning in education, given their track record of mismanagement in education. The OBA has no clear strategic plan for their proposed “pause” on education reform, so how can it be considered a responsible decision? Pausing without a clear plan risks wasting resources, leaving schools in limbo, and creating confusion for students, teachers, and parents. Fiscal responsibility means having a solid, data-driven plan—not just leaving it up to chance, with no idea on how the authority would be funded (according to Ben Smith) and without a clear understanding of what that means for our students and our budget – how can the OBA make broad statements of change when it is clear they haven’t done the research? The PLP has a plan. We are moving forward with a structured approach to education reform that increases autonomy for schools and school boards via an Education Authority, prioritises student success, teacher support, and long-term sustainability. The plan includes Signature Learning, industry partnerships, and a clear framework to strengthen education by ensuring financial responsibility.”
Refurbishments to expand bridge’s lifespan until replacement is ready
Major renovations continue in the East End. Construction works on the swing bridge in St. George’s are part of a larger plan to build a new bridge from Stoke’s Point Road, on the opposite side of Stock’s Harbour.
Lieutenant Colonel David Burch, Minister of Public Works, says that the refurbishment is a short-term solution to extend the lifespan of the bridge whilst the replacement is being built. View the full interview, below.
Opposition says their top priority is to “take politics out of education”
If elected on February 18, the One Bermuda Alliance said it would pause the education reform process implemented under the incumbent PLP Government, conduct a comprehensive audit of the system, and establish an independent education authority.
Shadow Education Minister Ben Smith outlined these priorities during a press conference at his party’s headquarters, citing education as one of the top concerns among voters.
He stated that “politics in education has caused issues for multiple generations” and warned that the public school system is “falling behind”, as evident from frustrated parents and teachers.
If urgent changes are not made, Mr Smith cautioned, that the cycle will continue.
He declared that the OBA’s number one priority would be to remove politics from education, stating: “Politicians have gotten in the way of what really should be put in the hands of the experts.”
Mr Smith also argued that school closures have led to more students being pushed towards private schools, forcing parents to dig even deeper into their pockets for education or consider moving abroad.
In addition to schools closing due to the incumbent Government’s restructuring of the public school system, he pointed to a shortage of substitute teachers and teacher absences, such as the current disruption at Sandys Secondary Middle School.
Mr Smith explained: “When a teacher withholds education, that is their last resort because they have reached their breaking point – they do not take that decision lightly.”
He cited these challenges as evidence that a pause on education reform is necessary, along with a full audit of the process so far, accountability measures, and the implementation of an independent education authority.
“This is not an experiment – the children’s future is too important for us to look at this like an experiment,” said Mr Smith.
He added that the OBA’s approach to education would ensure that “every child in Bermuda has access to a world-class education.”
Students at Sandys Secondary Middle School are missing a second consecutive day of classes.
This follows a teacher sickout that forced the campus to close yesterday due to inadequate staff members.
Concerned parents took to social media this morning to express frustration over the ongoing disruption. One user wrote, “It’s time parents demand answers from the school board. This is unacceptable. This is where all parents need to unite and fight for the education of your children.”
The Ministry of Education stated yesterday that it is working with the school’s Board of Governors to swiftly resolve the issues that led to the sickout.
At that time, Acting Education Minister Crystal Caesar said, “We appreciate the patience and understanding of parents and students during this time and commit to keeping all stakeholders informed as further developments occur.”
We have reached out to the Ministry of Education for a further update on this developing situation.
Posits a combined opposition does not mean uniformity
Update from the Emperial Group via press release:
From the very beginning, the Emperial Group has expressed the importance of a unified combined opposition for the purpose of achieving the combined opposition’s common objective, which is to remove the incumbent Progressive Labor Party (PLP) government because of its incompetent leadership manifested in broken promises.
In the run-up to the February 18 General Election, the debate over the role and effectiveness of independent candidates has intensified.
Scott Pearman of the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) recently asserted that independents lack the cohesion needed to govern effectively, warning that their presence may fragment the opposition and diminish its ability to lead.
While Pearman raises a valid concern about unity in governance, unity does not mean uniformity.
The emergence of 27 registered independent candidates in this election is not a fluke—it is a direct response to the failures of both major parties to serve the people effectively. Bermudians are demanding representation that prioritizes their interests, not party politics.
Former Progressive Labour Party MP Rolfe Commissiong has articulated a key point that Scott Pearman overlooks: Bermuda’s political order must evolve beyond rigid party structures.
Commissiong, now an independent candidate, recognizes that traditional party politics has often prioritized internal power struggles over the needs of the people.
He, like many others, advocates for a cooperative approach where independents and opposition forces align strategically rather than compete needlessly.
The “Vote 4 Unity” campaign is not about dividing the opposition—it is about bringing it together in a way that ensures every vote counts.
In this election, it is crucial that independents and the OBA do not cancel each other out in key constituencies.
Instead of working against one another, both groups must identify where their strengths align and strategically cooperate to challenge the current administration.
The goal is – unlike what the PLP would wish – not to weaken the opposition but to strengthen it through strategic unity.
This means ensuring that seats are not lost due to vote-splitting and that opposition forces work as a united front where necessary.
Pearman’s view implies that voters must choose between the OBA and the PLP, but that is precisely the thinking that has led us to this political moment.
Bermudians have already decided that the old system is not enough. They are seeking representatives who are accountable to them—not to party leaders.
The rise of independent candidates does not weaken democracy—it strengthens it. By electing independents who are willing to work collaboratively with traditional opposition forces, Bermudians can reshape governance into something more representative, transparent, and effective.
This election is about more than party loyalty. It is about strategy, leadership, and the courage to embrace a new way of governing.
A vote for an independent is not a gamble—it is a vote for accountability, for strategic governance, and for a Bermuda that belongs to the people, not just political parties.
The choice is clear. Work together, or lose together. It’s time to choose unity.
Education Ministry working to reach a “swift resolution”
A teacher sickout at Sandys Secondary Middle School forced the campus to close today due to insufficient staffing.
The Education Ministry said it is working with the school’s Board of Governors to swiftly resolve the issues that led to the action and resume classes.
Acting Education Minister Crystal Caesar stated: “We appreciate the patience and understanding of parents and students during this time and commit to keeping all stakeholders informed as further developments occur.”
This morning, school administrators confirmed to Bermuda Broadcasting that classes were not in session.
In a letter addressed to parents, the school stated: “Regrettably, we have to advise you that we do not have adequate staff to safely supervise students today. However, we are here to receive any students that arrive. We will provide a further update as soon as possible. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
It remains unclear when normal school operations will resume.
Governing party responds to OBA’s criticism of political flyer
The following statement was issued today by the Progressive Labour Party:
“The Progressive Labour Party calls on the community to respect the political signage of all parties. We have also had our signs damaged and taken down. This should not happen, and we call on all members of the community to respect the signage of all candidates, parties, and campaigns during this election.
Jarion Richardson and the OBA have a record, and it’s important that voters know about it. The OBA record includes:
● The Bad Morgan’s Point deal that cost Bermuda’s taxpayers over $200 million.
● The Bad Airport Deal cost taxpayers $50 million dollars in minimum revenue guarantees.
● Failed to raise senior pensions for years and told seniors money doesn’t grow on trees.
● Cut funding for public education & scholarships, and left our schools without wifi.
● Had their former Premier – who is still a front-line member of their party – resign in disgrace over the JetGate scandal.
● Doubled the debt and lost 2,000 jobs.
● Broke their pre-election plead and tried to push through Pathways to Bermudian Status.
Voters also need to know about Jarion Richardson. He:
● I voted against PLP, the bill that allowed the PLP to freeze Government Health Insurance rates for the 3rd year in a row – saving every policyholder $540 a year – and invested $10 million additional dollars into affordable housing.
● The OBA pamphlet calls for immigration reform that will fundamentally change what it means to Bermudian. He also appointed the architect of Pathways to Status as their candidate in C20!
● Spoke against payroll tax changes that reduced taxes for 86% of Bermudians
● Set aside Vic Ball as a candidate who accused him of “nepotism” and not following the Constitution of his own party.
Voters should know how he treated Vic Ball, a loyal OBA candidate and member. If he disregards his own party’s Constitution, how can we trust him in government?
This election is a choice. And on February 19th, either the OBA or the PLP will be in government. Jarion Richardson wants to be the Premier of this country, and Bermudians deserve to know his record in the House of Assembly and how he’s conducted himself.
But don’t take our word for it – ask former OBA senator, Chairman, and candidate Justin Mathias, who called the OBA “fundamentally flawed” and a “trainwreck of an organisation.” It was not the PLP, but the former OBA chairman who said that the OBA, “don’t have individuals who have the calibre to form government.”
C14, Devonshire North West candidate, Noelle Young, an environmental scientist and advocate agrees with a proposed pause on new marine spatial plan
Independent candidate Noelle Young says the PLP’s election platform contained less than was expected while calling for more intergenerational programs to bridge the gap between youth and seniors in this country. Ms. Young, a candidate for constituency 14, Devonshire North West will be challenging the PLP’s Alexa Lightbourne, the OBA’s David Rogers, and the FDM’s Kyle Bridgewater for the seat in the upcoming General Election. Ms. Young reflected on the PLP’s recent election platform which she believes failed to address the divide between Bermuda’s youth population and growing aging population.
We previously reported on OBA and FDM reaction to the PLP’s platform.
The independent movement has taken considerable criticism from the opposition OBA with Scott Pearman arguing that, ultimately, an independent MP lacks the necessary support of party colleagues.
And while they may appeal to non-partisan voters, they fail the stress test of practical reality.
She dismissed any skepticism around the independent movement arguing that everyone has a right to choose the individual they believe will best suit their needs in any given constituency.
In response to the PLP’s platform, Ms. Young, an environmental and human rights advocate says she supports the pledge to pause the introduction of a new marine spatial plan for wider stakeholder engagement.
She argues, it should have been done in the first instance.
Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson today criticized what he sees as political attacks from the PLP.
Mr Richardson was responding to a flyer distributed by the PLP, which he described as a “smear campaign based on misinformation and outright lies.”
He stated that the flyer’s content was an “all-out attack” on him personally, and accused the PLP of relying on “their tired old politics of personal attacks and blatant lying”.
According to Mr Richardson, the flyer falsely accused the OBA of voting against affordable housing and freezing healthcare costs.
He said these claims were untrue, explaining that his party opposed a law that would have allowed the then-Finance Minister to transfer money from the Sinking Fund without accountability to Parliament or the public. He clarified that the legislation made no reference to housing or healthcare.
On the doorstep, he said, OBA candidates are hearing that voters are frustrated with the “constant bickering, name-calling, and personal attacks” in politics.
Printing such political material, Mr Richardson said is not about problem-solving. “It’s about suppressing anyone different and continuing our history of political intimidation and disenfranchisement.”
He also addressed recent acts of political vandalism, noting that OBA campaign banners have been stolen. He said the party’s call for all political groups and supporters to condemn such behaviour had “fallen on deaf ears”.
Mr Richardson referred to these tactics as “demeaning, childish, and ridiculous” and said they have discouraged some of Bermuda’s best and brightest from entering the political arena.
He urged the public to “vote this type of politics out” on February 18 and instead choose leadership focused on fixing Bermuda’s problems.
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